Intelligent hydroelectric dam with power storage

ABSTRACT

Dams are a useful source of energy. An embodiment of a dam according to the present invention includes precast segments configured to be coupled together to form a dam optionally used to generate energy. An embodiment includes encasing an existing dam structure using interconnected precast segments. An underpinning system may penetrate the existing dam structure and be employed to assist in maintaining position of the dam or segmental components. A further embodiment includes encasing a main energy generation component using interconnected precast segments formed from a composite material including electrically conducting fibers, an electric circuit configured to measure and report the electrical resistance using a transmitter or transceiver to a dam stress/strain monitoring server. The electrical circuit may be powered directly or indirectly by available power supplied by the main energy generation component.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/225,990, filed on Sep. 6, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,414,223, which isa Continuation of application Ser. No. 13/092,855, filed on Apr. 22,2011, now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/477,360, filed on Apr. 20, 2011, and which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/327,500, filed on Apr.23, 2010, each entitled “Intelligent Hydroelectric Dam with PowerStorage” by William L. French, Sr. The entire teachings of the aboveapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydroelectric dams provide electrical power through use of convertingkinetic energy provided by running water into electrical power throughuse of rotation-to-electric converters, as well known in the art. Anexample of such a dam is the Hoover Dam that provides great amounts ofelectrical power for providing electricity to a grid that is configuredto distribute electrical energy to a local area. As well understood inthe art, to install a dam requires discontinuity of the flow of waterover the portion of land at which the dam is to be placed such thatpouring of concrete and curing of the concrete may be done, withinstallation of power generation components to be completed prior toredirecting the water flow back to the dam.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An example embodiment of the present invention includes precast segmentsconfigured to be interconnected to other precast segments to compose adam, and may also include a main energy generation component, which maybe operably interconnected to the interconnected precast segments. Themain energy generation component is configured to be coupled to anenergy transfer bus. At least one interlocking element is configured tointerconnect the precast segments.

Another example embodiment of the present invention includes a methodfor interconnecting precast segments, where the precast segments may beoperably interconnected to an energy generation component, which iscoupled to an energy transfer bus, and interconnected to each other viaat least one interlocking element.

A further example embodiment of a dam, and corresponding method ofassembly, includes an existing dam structure, at least two precastsegments of the dam configured to be interconnected, and at least oneinterlocking element or structure configured to join the at least twoprecast segments to encase the existing dam structure and form the damat a dam location.

A still further example embodiment of a dam, and corresponding method ofassembly, includes at least two precast segments of the dam configuredto be interconnected, and at least one interlocking element or structureconfigured to join the at least two precast segments to encase a mainenergy generation component and form the dam at a dam location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of example embodiments of the invention and as illustratedin the accompanying figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating example embodiments ofthe present invention.

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the Specification, serve to illustrate variousembodiments further and to explain various principles and advantages allin accordance with the example embodiments of the present invention. Theteachings of all patents, published applications and references citedherein are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIG. 1A is a high level view of a river in which multiple dams accordingto embodiments of the present invention may be employed, optionallyincluding auxiliary power systems, such as solar panel auxiliary powersystems.

FIG. 1B is a high level view of a dam according to an example embodimentof the present invention optionally including segmented ballast basesupport structures.

FIG. 2A is a mechanical diagram of multiple segmental precast damcomponents arranged together to form a composite dam.

FIG. 2B is a view of a single precast dam having a hydroelectric energygeneration system and a gearing system to change a rate of rotation ofthe electrical generator for a given rate of waterflow.

FIG. 2C is a side view of a dam according to an embodiment of thepresent invention in which a rotary wheel used for converting waterflowto electrical energy is employed, where the waterflow travels beneaththe wheel to cause a rotation and optionally causes an auxiliary wheelto rotate to generate auxiliary power.

FIG. 2D is a top view of a single precast segment of a hydroelectric damsystem that illustrates features fore and aft of the dam to interlockthe precast segment with other precast segments or spillway extenders.

FIG. 3 is a mechanical diagram illustrating upstream and downstreamspillway structures that may be precast and assembled along with theprecast segmental dam structures.

FIG. 4 is a group of mechanical diagrams illustrating spillwaystructural elements, including vertical and horizontal elements, whichmay include keyway lock and support structures.

FIG. 5 is a group of mechanical diagrams illustrating alternativefeatures and embodiments of the dam assembly according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of the present invention thatillustrates a method of dam assembly.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of the present invention thatillustrates a method of assembling a dam of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an environment in which example embodimentsaccording to the present invention may be employed.

FIG. 9 is a bird's eye view of an installation's construction siteaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side cutaway view of a dam according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate various views of precast segments according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a drop face wall precast segment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit including astrain/stress sensor according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.

An embodiment of the present invention includes precast dam componentsthat may be installed at a dam location, either with water flow divertedor while water flow continues, depending on the strength of the waterflow.

An embodiment of the invention may include an underpinning system thathas elements of concrete or other materials formed in the shape of largepins that are positioned vertically into the ground at which the dam isto be located and having a diameter configured to match a diameter of ahole defined by a lower surface of the dam component, such as a precastdam component, to be installed at the location of the underpinningelements.

A spillway extender may be provided to prevent downstream erosion, wherethe spillway extender is configured to be integrally coupled to theprecast dam components such that waterflow immediately downstream of theprecast dam components do not cause the surface of riverbed to erodeaway, which may result in an instability of the dam components.

An adjustable pressure gate may be included or integrated into precastdam components such that water flow rate and pressure may be raised orlowered in any manner desired, such as to maintain a constant pressureacross a turbine in the precast dam components during periods having alower or expectedly lower rainfall or other precipitation such that theriver or reservoir has a lower water height than usual. The gate may bemechanically, manually, or electrically adjustable.

The dam may further include an intelligent gear shifting apparatus thatis used to change gears of the turbine or other rotational componentssuch that the rotational forces may be increased or decreased in amanner most effective to translating the rate of waterflow across therotational element to produce higher or lower conversion of rotation toelectricity. A control system having intelligence may be employed toshift the gears in an adaptive manner.

In addition to the main energy generation turbines or other rotationalelements used to generate energy, auxiliary energy generation sourcesmay be employed to provide energy for electrical components at the dam,where such auxiliary energy generation systems may include upstream ordownstream mini-turbines or even solar panels configured at either sideof a river at the dam.

In the case of precast dam components, the precast dam components may beconfigured as square or rectangular or other geometrical shapedstructures that have interlocking features to enable multiple precastdam components to be interlocked together to form a unified dam. Theinterlocking features may include, for example, any male/female featuresknown in the art, such that construction of the dam of the multiplecomponents may be done quickly and efficiently at the site. Dividersupstream or downstream of the interlocking dam features and, in oneembodiment, above spillway extenders associated with the dam orsegmental components, may be provided to form multiple segmentalspillways, which may add to longevity of the dam. Keyways may beemployed to provide an interlocking feature for a male feature of thedividers such that good alignment with vertical walls of the segmentaldam components may be provided and maintained. The dividers having anangle opening in a downstream direction may also or alternatively beprovided on the upstream side of the dam to prevent debris or otherobjects from damaging or dislodging any of the segments of the dam orenergy generation components therein.

FIG. 1A is a high level diagram 100 a of a river 110 a in which multipledams according to embodiments of the present invention may be employed,optionally including auxiliary power systems, such as solar panels 102a-1 . . . 4 auxiliary power systems. Alternative example embodiments mayinclude additional or different auxiliary power systems, such as windturbines or mechanically powered systems. FIG. 1A further illustrates ariver at which two dams 155 a-1,2 with power generation devices, such asturbines or water wheels (not shown), may be employed. In the diagram100 a, the dams 155 a-1,2 have associated therewith other powergenerators, referred to herein as auxiliary generators, which may be inthe form of solar panels 102 a-1 . . . 4 or auxiliary water wheels (notshown).

During assembly of the dams, the precast segments 105 a-1 . . . 16 maybe deployed while the river 110 a, or other body of water, is flowing orwhile the river is diverted in some other path, depending upon the flowrate of the river, as should be understood in the art. The river bed 109a may be fitted with an underpinning system (not shown), such asvertically arranged cement rods or metallic rods that extend a certaindepth into the riverbed, such as 6 feet or 20 feet, depending on theexpected strength of the river, such that they may support the precastdam structure(s) to maintain the dams' segmental and collectivepositions in the riverbed. The precast structures 105 a-1 . . . 11 and105 a-12-16 may individually (i.e., 105 a-1, -2, . . . , -16) defineinterlocking male or female components (not shown) such that they may beintegrally configured with the underpinning elements (not shown).

The dams 155 a-1,2 themselves may have single or multiple energy storageelements 119 a-1,2, such as batteries, that may accept electrical poweror energy generated by the power generating elements associated with thedams 155 a-1,2, from which energy may later be drawn for use in variousapplications, such as those involved with generating power at the dam orused to provide electricity for residences (not shown), municipals, orpower grids. Inverters (not shown) may be employed to convert DC powerof the energy storage elements 119 a-1,2 to AC power, or AC power may beprovided directly by the turbines of the dams.

Because a dam may be formed of multiple precast dam components,construction and assembly of the dams is significantly reduced such thatmultiple dams along a river, optionally in very close proximity, may beprovided at significantly lower cost than were a single, large, damstructure and associated power generation and storage equipmentconstructed on the same waterway. Such reduction in costs may lenditself to a distributed energy power generation/storage/delivery systemthat may be more convenient, economical, and otherwise useful to a localor widespread region.

FIG. 1B is a high level diagram 100 b of an example embodiment of thepresent invention that illustrates an upstream water control systeminterconnected to a precast segmented access path for traversing andinteracting with the dam system. The diagram 100 b illustrates anassembled dam 155 b of an embodiment of the present invention includinginterconnected precast dam structures 105 b-1 . . . 4. The precaststructures 105 b-1 . . . 4 may further include buttress walls 116 b-1-2,which may be configured to include suction capabilities and may beconnected to or located near spillways 118 b-1,2. The spillways 118b-1,2 may be segmental precast constructs, which may be assembled duringor after the assembly of the dam or dam segments. The dam 155 b mayfurther include or be interconnected with precast sections of additionalsegmental structures, such as walkways or roadways, which may be linkedusing a bolt linkage system, keyway method, or other known interlockingmethod.

The dam 155 b may further include an energy source, such as solar panel102 b, which may include a land or ground mounted dual axis solartracking system. Details of a dual axis solar tracker are describedfurther in Applicant's pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/092,809 being filed concurrently herewith, entitled “Dual Tower SolarTracker System” by William L. French, Sr., which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/477,354 filed on Apr. 20, 2011, and isrelated to and incorporated by reference U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/327,500 filed on Apr. 23, 2010 entitled “Dual Tower Solar TrackerSystem” by William L. French, Sr.; the entire teachings of the aboveapplications being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.Continuing to refer to the example embodiment of FIG. 1B, the dam 155 bmay further include or be interconnected with a water gate control unit120 b and/or an adjustable water gate 125 b, which may be operatedindividually or simultaneously.

The example embodiment of the dam 155 b of FIG. 1B may include asegmented ballast base support system that may be configured on, around,or over unstable ground in a manner providing for a precast access ramp115 b that may be implemented to connect opposite embankments of thewaterway through which the dam is located. The segmented precast supportsystem may further allow for a fish ladder (or fishway) 119 b to passthrough or down the structure surrounding the dam system so as to enablefish to pass around the barrier to the waters on the other side of thedam. The precast access ramps may interconnect an access road 121 b thatmay be constructed on location using precast segmental system. Detailsof the segmented ballast base support structure are described further inpending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/658,608 filed on Feb. 9,2010, entitled “Segmented Ballast Base Support Structure and Rail andTrolley Structures for Unstable Ground” by William L. French, Sr. Theentire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The precast segmented support structure system and method may be used toincorporate a precast guard rail 117 b, precast spillway with buttresswall 116 b, precast curb 114 b, splash wall 113 b, or public or privatewalkway 112 b, and any or all of which may be surrounded by or laid ontop of an uneven or unstable ground structure, such as grass, mud,slanted ground, etc.

FIG. 2A is a mechanical diagram 200 a of multiple segmental precast damcomponents arranged together to form a composite of the segmental dam205 a-1 . . . 4. FIG. 2A illustrates the waterflow 208 a to a dam formedof the precast segments 205 a-1 . . . 4. The precast segments 205 a-1 .. . 4 may be interlocked in any way understood in the art, such asthrough composite component structures precast into the cement, affixedinto the precast cement, or otherwise understood in the art, includingelements coupled to the precast structures after the precast structureshave been formed. A mechanical knob, leaver, or other device (not shown)may be provided with the collective or component structure(s) to raiseand lower turbines or other rotational elements in the dam toaccommodate the height of water flowing therethrough. Further,mechanical elements may be provided to raise and lower gates associatedwith the collective dam or components thereof such that the height ofwater flowing into or out of the dam may be controlled mechanically. Itshould be understood that automated electrical raising and lowering ofthe rotational elements or gates may also be employed, where sensors andactivation elements, such as linear or rotational motors and motionsupport assemblies, may also be employed. It should be understood thatany electronics or mechanical elements may be sufficiently protectedagainst the elements, particularly in the environment of water andwater-related elements.

FIG. 2B is a diagram 200 b of a single precast dam (e.g., dam component)205 b having a hydroelectric energy generation system and a gearingsystem 227 b to change a rate of rotation of the electrical generatorfor a given rate of waterflow. The mechanical diagram 200 b is a singlesegment for hydroelectric energy generation system that may be used in amultiple segmental group to define a dam on a waterway of arbitrarywidth. The diagram of FIG. 2B further includes an indicator of a gearsystem 227 b that may be used to change the rate of rotation of anyrotational elements used in the power generation portion of the dam. Thediagram also includes an indication of a shaft or shaft system 226 b totransfer mechanical energy to electrical energy (transformer not shown)such that electrical energy is produced and transferred via electricalcables (not shown) or other conductive components to a battery storageor otherwise to a power distribution system to reach an end user.

FIG. 2C is a side view 200 c of a dam according to an embodiment of thepresent invention in which a rotary wheel (e.g., a turbine) 231 c usedfor converting waterflow to electrical energy is employed, where thewaterflow travels beneath the wheel 231 c to cause a rotation, and,optionally, causes auxiliary wheels, such as auxiliary wheel 232 c, torotate to generate auxiliary power. The example embodiment of FIG. 2Cfurther illustrates water flowing from left to right over a verticalcomponent of an upstream side of the segmental dam and beneath (or over)a water wheel or turbine or other rotational element in a manner causingrotation of the rotational element, which, in turn, causes a movement ofan electromagnetic component with respect to another electromagneticcomponent in a manner known to generate electricity. The exampleembodiment of FIG. 2C further illustrates an auxiliary wheel 232 c togenerate electricity for use in providing power for electricalcomponents used at the dam, itself. FIG. 2C further includes verticalelements 233 c-1,2 that extend from beneath the riverbed through a floor206 c of a dam component to a ceiling 207 c of a dam component such thatthe vertical elements 233 c-1,2 provide structural stability andreinforcement against the dam's moving along the riverbed while water isat a high rate of flow.

Example embodiments of the vertical elements 233 c-1,2 may furtherprovide structural stability from ground movement, water pressure, windflow, and other external or internal factors that can affect thestructural integrity or stability of the dam components. The verticalelements, for example, pins, may be any diameter, length or shape,configured to be interconnected with the precast dam component 205 c.Further, as shown, the precast dam component 205 c may include otherprecast dam elements that form upstream or downstream featuresassociated with the dam components such that upstream or downstreamerosion of the riverbed does not occur or is otherwise minimized. Forexample, a spillway extender, such as the spillway system 218 a-1illustrated in FIG. 2A, being downstream or upstream of the damcomponent may extend many feet, such as 10 feet or more, in certainriver situations.

FIG. 2D is a diagram 200 d of a top view of a single precast segment 205d of a hydroelectric dam system that illustrates features fore and aftof the dam to interlock the precast segment with other precast segments,spillway extenders, or other interlocking components. FIG. 2D furtherillustrates an example configuration of a water wheel or turbine 231 dwithin the precast structure and illustrates other structural featuresof the precast structure. For example, the precast structure may defineholes 229 d-1 . . . 4 through which pins extending into the riverbed andup through the bottom (e.g., floor) and, optionally, the top (e.g.,ceiling) of the precast structure may be provided. The holes 229 d-1 . .. 4 may be oversized and filled-in with cement or other filler (notshown) such that ease of integration and deployment may be experiencedat the site of installation. In alternative example embodiments, theholes 229 d-1 . . . 4 may be integrated into the precast structure 205 dor may be later installed or carved out as needed during onsite oroffsite installation or interconnection. The fore and aft of the precaststructure 205 d may include slots 228 d and 224 d such that upstream anddownstream components, such as spillway extenders (not shown), may bestructurally or mechanically coupled to the precast segment 205 d in asimple, convenient, and structurally sound manner. Although notillustrated, slots to interconnect the precast segment with otherprecast segments may be provided on the sides, top, or bottom of theprecast structure, where the slots may run parallel to or perpendicularwith the river flow.

The slots 228 d and 224 d and corresponding mating-shaped pintles (nowshown) on other segments may be interchangeably referred to herein as“interlocking elements.” Alternatively, separate mechanical elements(not shown) may be provided as interlocking elements, where the precastsegments may have the same slots 228 d and 224 d and an interlockingelement slide into neighboring slots simultaneously to form a solidmating of adjacent precast segments

FIG. 3 is a mechanical diagram 300 illustrating upstream and downstreamspillway structures that may be precast and assembled along with theprecast segmental dam structures. The mechanical diagram 300 illustratesmultiple precast segments 305 a-f inter-connected with each other toform a dam 355 in the collective. The dam 355, as illustrated, includesno gaps between each of the precast segments 305 a-f so as to force allwater (not shown) through the water flow pathways, such as waterflowpathway 323 of the precast segment 305 b, defined by each of the precastsegments, thereby ensuring all water contributes to the rotation of thepower generators (not shown) within each of the segments. It should beunderstood that the power generators may be positioned in the precastsegmental structures in a manner using all or just a portion of thewater flowing through the precast segments and that certain ones of theprecast segments may, alternatively, not be equipped with powergenerating components.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, the example embodiment also showstapering (or increasing, depending on one's perspective) dividers 361a-f between segments that are configured above the spillways 318 a-e andaligned with vertical walls, such as the vertical buttress or bracewalls 316 a-g of the segmental dam components. The example embodimentsof dividers 361 a-f may be precast as part of a debris protection system360 and installed as may be warranted via linkages, such as a boltsystem 340 a-d, for example, where the dividers may be galvanized H beamdividers. The dividers 361 a-f are typically positioned on the upstreamside of the dam such that any downstream-flowing debris or structures,such as boats or swimmers, ride up above the dam to prevent damage tothe dam, segmented components of the dam, power generation devicestherein, or other elements interconnected to the dam. Thus, flowingwater that forces debris, such as large branches, will push the debrisupward on top of or over the dam rather than into vertical buttresses ofthe dam or power generation devices in the dam. This makes for a longerlife dam structure than were the dividers not provided.

Alternative example embodiments of the dividers 361 a-f may provide fordividers consisting of a variety of materials, shapes, lengths, andother attributes as may be favorable based on the dam location. Inalternative example embodiments of the present invention, the dividersmay be separately installed into slots, pathways, or other such areas ofthe precast segments in such a manner as to include a malleable element,such as a spring or shock absorbing component, such that the dam or damcomponents receive less of an impact of flowing or moving debris,thereby allowing for a more structurally sound dam. It should beunderstood that the dividers may be placed in some or all of the precastsegments at varying or similar configurations, angles, widths, etc.

Alternative example embodiments of example embodiment of FIG. 3 mayinclude a shaft control system 326 to provide for the operation of awater gate 325 as a mechanism for allowing or prohibiting the free flowof a liquid (e.g., water) through the precast segments via the waterflowpath way (e.g., waterflow pathway 323) in a manner that enablescontrolled operation. The shaft control system 326 may be operatedmanually, automatically, or in any such manner preferable on a per-siteor dam location basis.

FIG. 4 is a group of mechanical diagrams 400 of spillway structuralelements, including vertical and horizontal elements, which includekeyway lock and support structures. The mechanical diagrams 400 furtherillustrate embodiments of features in the spillways and verticalcomponents of the segments of the dam to enable the dividers, such asdividers 361 a-f of FIG. 3, to interlock with the dam in a mannermaintaining as much integrity as possible and in a manner that allowsfor ease of assembly at the site of the dam. The dam may be configuredand/or assembled to include a section including a debris shield system460 that includes dividers, such as H beams, 462 a-b. The componentsand/or elements of the dam may be interconnected using linkage bolts 440and/or other linkage element(s) to form a linkage system. The linkagesystem may be configured to interlock multiple components using the sameor different dimensions and positions of the interconnection systems.

Alternative example embodiments of the diagrams 400 may includeadditional locking mechanisms, such as the keyway lock and supportsystem 471, for providing structural integrity and reinforcement to thesides, bottoms, and tops of the dam component elements. The keywaylocking mechanisms may be interconnected via different methods; forexample, the keyway locks may include a female and male component thatmay be interlocked. Additional elements may be employed to providemanual and/or automatic control for the dam employing control gates,gears, shafts, and other control devices currently known or hereinafterdeveloped as applicable to a dam or dam component. Such elements areusually located on the upstream side of the dam; however, alternativeembodiments of the present invention may have the dam components,elements, and precast structures arranged in various or adjustableconfigurations based on any number of external or internal factors, suchas varying weather patterns at the dam location.

The example embodiment of FIG. 4 may include a unit 421 for lifting andlowering the control gears, which may be operably interconnected to agear plate 427. The example embodiment of the controls may furtherinclude a shaft 424 employing interlocking techniques, such as using akeyway locking mechanism, optionally interconnected to guide roller 425and/or a control gate support bracket 422 for enabling movement andcontrol of the system. Alternative example embodiments may includefeatures originally integrated into the precast structures or elementsconfigured to be later applied or constructed to the precaststructure(s).

FIG. 5 is a group of mechanical diagrams 500 illustrating alternativefeatures and embodiments of the dam assembly according to embodiments ofthe present invention. FIG. 5 includes multiple aspects of the precastsegmental dam components, such as the turbine system, linkages betweensegments 540 a-i, interconnecting features between segments 541 a-g,adjustable wooden board gate system 549 or other material for waterheight or flow control, spillway 516 and spillway segments 518, linkagefeatures between the spillway and segments 546, interconnecting linkagesbetween cement or metal components of the segments and/or spillways, andexample sizes of the precast structures. Further system components mayinclude a water gate 529 to adjust water flow (for example, such as thewater gate 529 being in an open position 525 thereby allowing water toflow through at different rates), and shaft and drive hole forinterconnecting pinning elements on the top, sides, and bottom of theprecast segments. It should be understood that the sizes of any of thedam components may vary such that they are suitable for the width, depthand flow rate of the waterway and provide ease of transportation,deployment, and interlocking assembly at the site of the dam.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart 600 of an embodiment of the present inventionthat illustrates a method of dam assembly. The flow diagram 600 allowsfor a method of interconnecting at least two precast dam segments to amain energy generation component coupled to an energy transfer bus(680). The example method of flow diagram 600 further allows the joiningof at least two precast segments via at least one interlocking element,such as a bolt or linkage system, or other such slot mechanism, to forma dam at a dam location (681).

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram 700 of an embodiment of the present inventionthat illustrates components involved in assembling a dam of the presentinvention. After beginning, the method of flow diagram 700 enablesinterconnecting at least two precast segments to a main energygeneration component coupled to an energy transfer bus (780) and joiningthe precast segments via at least one interlocking element to form a damat a dam location (781). The method 700 may allow for installing atleast two precast segments while a fluid flow is diverted, partiallydiverted, or flowing without diversion (782) and joining the two precastsegments via at least one interlocking element to form a dam at a damlocation (783). The method 700 may further allow the precast segments tobe operably interconnected to at least one terrestrial component (784)and installing an underpinning unit into the ground or base of a surfaceat the dam location (785). The method 700 may further be configured toenable the maintaining of a connection component at a lower surface ofthe precast segments (786). Further, the example method 700 may allowfor connecting the underpinning unit with at least one of the precastsegments via at least one connection element (787). The method 700 mayfurther enable the employing of a spillway extender, integrally coupledto at least one of the at least two precast segments (788). The methodmay further provide for a constant pressure across the energy generationcomponent via an adjustable pressure gate (789). Such an example method700 may enable providing energy for at least one electrical component atthe dam location via an auxiliary energy generation component (790) andfurther allow for shifting at least one gear of the energy generationcomponent in such a manner as to translate a rate of water flow via agear shifting unit (791). It should be noted that the example method 700may be performed in alternative manner using a similar or differentorder of operation as may be seen, for example, in FIG. 7.

A further example embodiment of the present invention can include anexisting dam structure, at least two precast segments of the damconfigured to be interconnected, and at least one interlocking elementor structure configured to join the at least two precast segments toencase the existing dam structure and form the dam at a dam location.Encasing an existing dam structure enables the existing dam structure tobe reused as part of the foundation for the (new) dam that can be usedto harness hydroelectric power. The precast segments can be arranged toencase the existing dam such that the exposed exterior surfaces of theexisting dam are covered and does not necessarily include completeenclosure (e.g., surrounding from all sides including the surfaces ofthe existing dam which are in contact with soil). Put another way,encasing as used herein with respect to an existing dam does notnecessarily mean to fully enclose on all sides, but rather can includeleaving the existing dam structure structurally intact in combinationwith the precast segments of the finished (new) dam. Reusing theexisting dam can reduce construction costs by eliminating demolition andremoval costs associated with tearing down an old dam. Such reuse canconserve valuable resources.

The precast segments can be further (i) configured to encase andoperably interconnect to a main energy generation component configuredto convert kinetic energy to an available power, and (ii) coupled to anenergy transfer bus. The available power can be stored at a power supplyunit including a battery (or battery system). Further, the availablepower can be used to power devices, directly or indirectly, operativelycoupled to the dam's power generation or storage elements, where thedevices may be used to control performance of power generationcomponents, such as the turbine of the dam. In this way, the dam is aself-operating system.

The precast segments can include a composite material that includeselectrically conducting fibers, and employ electronics configured tosense strain/stress through use of the electrically conducting fibers.Such a composite material is referred to commonly as smart concrete,such as concrete described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,944, entitled“Composite Material Strain/Stress Sensor” by Chung, issued on Oct. 6,1998, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference.

An embodiment of the present invention with the precast segmentsincluding electrically conducting short fibers can further includeinsulation membrane on at least non-adjacent faces (e.g., front and backin side-coupling embodiments) to insulate electrical current flowingthrough the concrete/fibers from exiting via water in a river. The damcan further include a first electric terminal at a first location and asecond electric terminal and a second location arranged for measuringelectrical resistance as a function of strain/stress between the firstand second terminals. Strain/stress as used herein may include multiplestrains and/or stresses. The electrically conducting fibers are “short,”having respective lengths that are substantially shorter than a distancebetween the first and second terminals. This enables the stress in thedam to be monitored. The terminals can be arranged on the same precastsegment or different precast segments, wherein the case of the otherarrangements, multiple adjacent or non-adjacent segments areelectrically coupled to enable measurements of segments to be monitoredthrough use of the electrodes. For example, the terminals of multipleprecast segments, each having at least two terminals, can be connectedin series to form a series sensor to sense the strain/stress applied tothe series of precast segments.

An electrical circuit can be used to measure the electrical resistanceof the composite material. The electrical circuit can include atransceiver, such as wired, wireless, or optical (free space or fiber),for reporting the measured electrical resistance to a server monitoringthe strain/stress on the dam. The electrical circuit can be directly orindirectly powered by the available power generated by the dam and caninclude a volt meter for measuring the resistance of the compositematerial (e.g., smart concrete).

An example embodiment of the present invention can further include, astrain/stress signature storage component, such as non-volatile storagemedium, to store a representation of a strain/stress signaturecomprising a strain/stress test output. Such a strain/stress signaturestorage component allows a baseline strain/stress measurement for futuremeasurements to be compared against, and, therefore, can be used toindicate whether damage or weakening of a dam segment or multiple damsegments has occurred prior to a catastrophic failure. The dam canfurther include an insulating membrane arranged between the precastsegments, formed of an electronically conductive composite material, andan electrically conductive fluid, such as water, obstructed by theformed dam.

The dam can further include (i) a spillway extender integrally coupledto at least one of the precast segments and configured to preventdownstream erosion, (ii) an adjustable pressure gate operablyinterconnected to at least one precast segment and configured tocommunicate with an upstream sensor to adjust pressure across the energygeneration component and being directly or indirectly powered by theavailable power, and (iii) a gear shifting unit configured to change atleast one gear of the energy generation component in such a manner as totranslate a rate of water flow, and being directly or indirectly poweredby the available power produced by a turbine at the dam. The gearshifting unit can be self-operating. The spillway extender can be aprecast segment.

The dam can further include a drop face wall integrally coupled to andconfigured with at least one of the two precast segments to encase theexisting dam structure. The drop face wall can be a precast segment.

The dam can further include an underpinning unit configured to beinstalled into the ground at the dam location, a connection component ata lower surface of the at least two precast segments, and at least oneconnection element configured to connect the underpinning unit with theat least two precast segments. The underpinning unit can be furtherconfigured to penetrate through the existing dam structure and beinstalled into the ground at the dam location on an opposite side of theexisting dam structure relative to where the underpinning unit enteredthe existing dam structure. The connection component can be originallyintegrated into a lower surface of at least one of the precast segments.Alternatively, the connection component can be configured to beseparately coupled to the lower surface of a precast segment.

The precast segments can be configured to be installed either while afluid (e.g., water) flow is diverted or while a fluid flow is notdiverted. The precast segments can be further configured to be operablymechanically or electrically interconnected to at least one terrestrialcomponent.

In a still further example embodiment of the present invention, a damincludes at least two precast segments configured to be interconnected,and at least one interlocking element or structure configured to jointhe at least two precast segments to encase a main energy generationcomponent and to form the dam at the dam location. The precast segmentscan be arranged to encase the main energy generation component such thata fluid can flow through the main energy generation component and doesnot necessarily include complete enclosure (e.g., surrounding from allsides).

A still further example embodiment of the present invention includes amethod of assembling a dam at a dam location, including: providing atleast two precast segments, joining the at least two precast segmentsvia at least one interlocking element to form the dam at a dam location,and encasing an existing dam structure using the at least two precastsegments. The method can further include: encasing and operablyinterconnecting a main energy generation component with the at least twoprecast segments, converting kinetic energy to available power using themain energy generation component, and coupling the available power to anenergy transfer bus. The method can further include constructing the atleast two precast segments using a composite material includingelectrically conducting short fibers and sensing strain/stress using thecomposite material.

The method can further include measuring an electrical resistance as afunction of strain/stress at a first electrical terminal at a firstlocation of at least one of the at least two precast segments and asecond electrical terminal at a second location of at least one of theat least two precast segments. The method can include reporting to aserver the electrical resistance using an electrical circuit including atransmitter or transceiver, and powering the electrical circuit with theavailable power produced by the dam.

The method can further include storing a strain/stress signaturecomprising a strain/stress test output using a strain/stress signaturestorage component. Such a storage device enables future strain/stressreadings to be compared to a baseline strain/stress signature. Themethod can further include insulating a fluid obscured by the formed damfrom the precast segments using an insulating membrane.

The method can further include: (i) employing a spillway extenderintegrally coupled to at least one of the at least two precast segmentsto prevent downstream erosion, (ii) adjusting a pressure across theenergy generation component via an adjustable pressure gate, theadjustable pressure gate operably interconnected to a unit or othercomponent of the dam configured to communicate with an upstream sensor,the adjustable pressure gate directly or indirectly powered by theavailable power produced at the dam, and (iii) shifting at least onegear of the energy generation component in such a manner as to translatea rate of water flow via a gear shifting unit directly or indirectlypowered by the available power. The gear shifting unit may perform itsshifting in a self-operating manner.

The encasing of the existing dam structure can further includeintegrally coupling a drop wall face to at least one of the at least twoprecast segments via at least one interlocking element to encase theexisting dam structure and form the dam at the dam location.

The method can further include installing an underpinning unit into theground at the dam location, maintaining a connection component at alower surface of the at least two precast segments, and connecting theunderpinning unit with at least one of the at least two precast segmentsvia at least one connection element. The installing of the underpinningunit into the ground at the dam location can further include penetratingthe existing dam structure with the underpinning unit. The connectioncomponent can be originally integrated, or separately coupled to, thelower surface of at least one of the at least two precast segments.Installing the at least two precast segments can be done while a fluidis diverted, partially diverted, or flowing without diversion. Themethod can further include operably interconnecting at least two precastsegments to at least one terrestrial component. The method can furtherinclude energizing at least one electrical component at the dam via anauxiliary generation component.

A still further embodiment of the present invention includes a method ofassembling a dam at a dam location, the method comprising providing atleast two precast segments and joining the at least two precast segmentsvia at least one interlocking element to encase a main energy generationcomponent and form the dam at the dam location.

Still further embodiments of the present invention can include means forencasing an existing dam structure and forming a structure of a dam andmeans for interlocking said means for encasing and forming the structureof the dam.

A still further example embodiment of the present invention can includemeans for forming a structure of a dam and encasing a main energygeneration component, and means for interlocking said means for encasingand forming the structure of the dam.

FIG. 8 is a high-level diagram 800 of an environment in which exampleembodiments according to the present invention may be employed, andincludes an existing dam 855 b, segmented precast segments 805 a-1 . . .5, 805 c-1, 2, cofferdam system 870, and installation equipment 880.

The cofferdam system 870 can be used to divert water flow from a river810 temporarily while a dam 855 a is constructed according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. The existing dam structure 855 bcan be encased (or encapsulated) using precast segments 805 a-1 . . .805 c-2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. By encasingthe existing dam with precast segments, construction costs are reduceddue to the fact that the existing dam does not need to be demolished andremoved. Further, the precast segments 805 a-1 . . . 5 enableconstruction to be quick, easy, and efficient since the precast segmentscan be manufactured off-site and deployed to the construction site usingconventional logistic techniques, such as typical tractor trailers. Asshown in the diagram 800, the precast segments can be used to encase theexisting dam and construct the (new) dam by installing precast segments,such as by starting from the lowest elevation and working upwards byinterconnecting the precast segments. As shown in the example diagram800, the installed drop face wall precast segments 805 c-1, 2 areinstalled first, and precast segments 805 a-1 . . . 5 are then installedand interconnected to respective drop face walls 805 c-1, 2. Theinterconnection can be performed using an interlocking element orstructure configured to join the precast segments, such as keyways andbolt linkage systems, or any other method described herein.

FIG. 9 is a bird's eye view 900 of an installation's construction siteaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. The bird's eye view900 of the construction site includes a waterway 910 being diverted by atemporary cofferdam 970, heavy construction equipment 980, temporarywater diversion pipe 981 for construction operation logistics, andunderpinning installation site locations 931. The dashed lines 933indicate the installation locations for precast segments. The sightingfor the underpinning units 931 can be performed using a GPS system toensure an accurate and precise layout, ensuring adherence to engineeringplans.

FIG. 10 is a side cutaway view 1000 of a dam 1055 a according to anembodiment of the present invention. The side cutaway view 1000 includesthe dam 1055 a, existing dam structure 1055 b, water flow 1010, precastsegments 1005 a-c, spillway system 1018, buttress walls 1016,underpinning units 1030 (collectively referred to as an underpinningsystem), connection components and elements 1029, keyway and boltlinkage system 1028, small main energy generation component 1031, andbolt linkage system 1025.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the existing damstructure 1055 b is encased within the dam 1055 a, where the precastsegments 1005 a-c of the dam 1055 a are used to encase the existing damstructure 1055 b. Precast segments 1005 a-c can be interconnecting andinterlocking and can use interlocking elements or structures configuredto join the precast segments to encase the existing dam structure 1055 band, thus, form the dam 1055 a. The drop face wall 1005 c can beinstalled on, or in front of, the face wall 1056 of the existing damstructure 1055 b. The space behind the exterior of the drop face wall1055 c between the drop face wall 1055 c and the face wall 1056 of theexisting dam structure 1055 b (if any exists) can be filled with a fillmaterial, such as mortar, grout, or any other fill suitable to providestability and support to the drop face wall 1005 c and dam 1055 a.

The drop face wall 1005 c can have keyway interconnecting segments andinterconnecting elements or structures, as will be described in moredetail below. Drop face wall 1005 c can be integrally connected or canbe integrally coupled to and configured with the precast segments 1005a-c to encase the existing dam structure and form the dam 1055 a.Precast segment 1005 a can be used to help encase not only the existingdam 1055 b, but also to encase the main energy generation component 1031(for example, a small head hydroelectric system). Precast segment 1005 bcan be used with precast segment 1005 a to encase (enclose orencapsulate) main energy generation component 1031. Precast segments1005 a, b can be configured to interconnect with each other using atleast one interlocking element or structure, such as a bolt linkagesystem 1028.

The main energy generation component 1031 can be coupled to the precastsegments 1005 a, b using bolt linkage systems 1025. Such a bolt linkagesystem 1025 can be, for example, a bracket and bolt system. Precastsegments 1005 a, b can be designed to accommodate main energy generationcomponents, such as small head hydroelectric systems manufactured bydifferent manufacturers and in different sizes, configurations andshapes. The ability to customize the shapes and dimensions of theprecast segments 1005 a-c allows the dam 1055 a to use hydroelectricsystems produced by various manufacturers and to accommodate variousdifferent water flow environments.

The precast segments 1005 a-c, spillway extender 1018, and buttresswalls 1016 can be installed at a site using underpinning units 1030. Theunderpinning units 1030 can be also referred to as “soil nails” or“earth screws” and used to stabilize the segmented dam 1055 a bycreating a stable coupling to the earth (e.g., stable soil, riverbed orbedrock) beneath the existing dam structure 1055 b. The underpinningunits can penetrate through the existing dam 1055 b in order to create astable foundation for the new dam 1055 a. The installation points of theunderpinning units can be sited using a GPS system. The installationpoints can be drilled out to form pre-drilled holes to accept theunderpinning units 1030. The underpinning units 1030 can be used tocreate an in-situ reinforcement system (e.g., the underpinning system)to stabilize construction of the new dam 1055 a. The underpinning units1030 can be made up of underpinning components. The underpinningcomponents may include a centralized component, and one or morecentralizers, as well as a fill (or grouting material) surrounding thecentralized component and/or one or more centralizers. The centralizedcomponent can be a metal cylindrical component having a length muchgreater than its diameter, for example, threaded rebar, and insertedinto the pre-drilled holes. The centralizers can be a fastener orexpansion anchor having a central hole, which can be threaded and usedto couple to the centralized component. The fill or grouting material,such as concrete or other composite material, can be pumped into thepre-drilled holes with the inserted underpinning components.

Connection elements 1029 b can be coupled to, or integrated with, theunderpinning units 1030 at an end opposite of the end that is firstinserted into the pre-drill hole. For example, the connection element1029 b may be a threaded bolt having one end coupled to the underpinningunit 1030. Connection components 1029 a can couple to the connectionelements 1029 b. For example, the connection components 1029 a mayinclude a washer and nut and be used to connect the precast segments1005 a, c to the underpinning units 1030. The precast segments 1005 a, ccan be preformed with a linkage points 1029 c (e.g., receptacles orpass-through openings) to accommodate the connections elements 1029 band/or underpinning units 1030. Alternatively, the linkage points 1029 cof precast segments 1005 a,c can be formed on site, using a drill orother similar method. Further, the precast segments 1005 a,c can havelinkage points 1029 c preinstalled with connection elements 1029 band/or connection components 1029 a.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate various views of precast segments.

FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of precast segments 1105 a and 1105 bfrom a perspective of a viewer looking into (or from) the dammed body ofwater. Precast segments 1105 a,b can be used to encase (or encapsulate)the main energy generation component (not shown in FIG. 11A) with aninterior cavity of the interlocked interconnected precast segments. Theinterior cavity can be cylindrical, rectangular, or any otherappropriate shape. The precast segments 1105 a,b include a bolt linkagesystem 1125 that can be used to couple the main energy generationcomponent to the precast segments 1105 a,b.

It should be understood by those of skill in the art that the precastsegments 1105 a,b including their interiors, can be of various shapesand sizes, in order to accommodate the different shapes and sizes ofmain energy generation components, such as small head hydroelectricsystems manufactured by various manufacturers. As such, the semicircularshape of 1105 a,b can also be rectangular or any other suitable shape.

The precast segments 1105 a,b can also include two-way and interlockingkeyway elements or structures 1171 configured to ensure that the precastsegments can be installed only in a designed orientation during on-siteinstallation. The keyway elements or structures 1171 can include maleand female keyways. The precast segments 1105 a,b can further includeinterlocking elements 1128 a,b. Such interlocking elements or structures1128 a,b can be configured to join the precast segments to encase theexisting dam structure and form the dam. The interlocking elements 1128a,b can include bolt linkage systems and/or keyway systems.

FIG. 11B is a bottom view of a precast segment 1105 b. The keywayinterconnecting features 1171 and interlocking element or structure 1128a are shown. The black shading of the interlocking element or structure1128 a and interconnection features 1171 indicates that the interlockingelements are male and extend out of the page. These interlockingelements or structures are coupled to corresponding female elements, asshown in FIG. 11C, where the female elements are shown in white fill.

FIG. 11C illustrates a top view of the precast segments 1105 a andincludes interconnecting elements 1171 and 1128 b. The keywayinterconnecting features 1171, and interlocking element or structure1128 b are shown. The white shading of 1128 a and 1171 indicates thatthe interlocking elements are female and sink into the page. Theseinterlocking elements or structures 1128 a and 1171 are coupled to thecorresponding male elements, as shown in FIG. 11B, during assembly ofthe dam.

The precast segment 1105 a may include connection elements 1129 a, 1129b, and linkage point 1129 c, connection components at a lower surface ofthe precast segment 1105 a, which connects to an underpinning unit 1130in order to secure the precast segment 1105 a to the underpinning unit1030. By securing the precast segments 1105 a, movement of the precastsegments 1105 a due to forces applied by water flow does not occur.Other precast segments not directly connected to the underpinning units1130, such as precast segment 1105 b, are secured to the underpinningunits 1030 by way of the interconnected and interlocking elements 1128a,b.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a drop face wall precast segment 1205 c from afront view and perspective view, respectively. The drop face wall 1205 cincludes keyway systems 1271 (e.g., male or female features, structures,or elements) interconnecting and interlocking elements or structures1228, such as a bolt linkage system, and connection components 1229.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit 1300 that may beemployed with an embodiment of a dam. The electrical circuit 1300includes an electrical circuit structure 1301, first and second electricterminals 1303 a and 1303 b, respectively, and strain/stress sensor1305. The strain/stress sensor 1305 can be a precast segment made from acomposite material including electrically conducting short fibers (e.g.,fibers that do not individually span between the terminals 1303 a, 1303b and configured to sense strain/stress after construction of thesegment, including after assembly of the dam and during use of the dam.One such composite material strain/stress sensor is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,817,944 entitled “Composite Material Strain/Stress Sensor” byChung, issued Oct. 6, 1998.

The precast segments 1305 can be made from a composite materialcontaining electrically conducting fibers having a somewhat conductivematrix. An increase in crack concentration or size causes an increase inthe amount of fiber pullout, resulting in an increase in the electricalresistance, which is the measured response to the strain/stressstimulus. Composite materials, such as concrete, are somewhatelectrically conducting, and so can be used in combination withelectrically conducting fibers to form a stress/strain sensor. Further,cracking under stress/strain can be detected and controlled rather thanbeing allowed to occur catastrophically according to an embodiment ofthe invention. Monitoring of such sensing is useful for dams as themonitoring and sensing increases safety and allows for damage to berepaired before a catastrophic failure occurs. Also, the electricallyconducting short fibers can be much more conductive in the compositematerial matrix, so that the fibers contribute to the electricalconductivity of the material.

The electrical circuit 1300 can further include, within the electricalcircuit structure 1301, a voltmeter 1304 to measure the resistivity (orconductivity) of the composite material sensor 1305 between the firstterminal 1303 a and the second terminal 1303 b. The conductivitymeasured by the voltmeter 1304 can be communicated to a transceiver 1307and broadcast or transmitted, via an antenna 1308, to a remote server(not shown), which can be located remotely, and used to monitor themeasured resistivity of multiple dams and multiple segments of themultiple dams. Also, the transceiver 1307 can have an ability tocommunicate over a wired (or optical) channel. The transceiver 1307 canreceive inputs from multiple voltmeters and transmit multiplemeasurement readings to the remote server.

The electrical circuit 1300 can further include a strain/stresssignature storage component 1309. The strain/stress signature storagecomponent 1309 can store a strain/stress signature, which can be astrain/stress test output. Such a strain/stress test output can be theresult of measuring the resistivity (or conductivity) of the compositematerial 1305 at a precast factory point of manufacture (e.g., a qualityassurance step in the manufacturing process to establish a “baselinefactory measurement” for strain/stress). The precast strain/stresssignature can be stored using any known method, such as machine-readablenon-volatile RAM, RFID, memory card, etc., or 2-D matrix barcode, oralternatively using human-readable forms. Using such a factorycalibration to record the original strain/stress signature of thecomposite material 1305, the strain or stress readings can be measuredafter installation and during the life of the dam and compared to thefactory measurement, thus any changes from the initial manufacturingbaseline measurement can be detected easily.

The electrical circuit 1300 can be powered using the available powerconverted from kinetic energy by the main energy generation component atthe dam. Such available power may be stored on site in a battery, seriesof batteries, or battery system, thereby enabling the electricalcomponents of the electrical circuit 1300 to be powered, and for thestress/strain to be sensed using the stress/strain sensor 1305.

Further, control software can be implemented to control the gatepressure for water entering the feed for the main energy generationcomponents based on sensors upstream. Communication with the sensorsupstream, whether wired, wireless, or optical, can be powered by theavailable power either direct or indirectly as generated by the mainenergy generation component.

An example process for installing a dam in accordance with the inventiveprinciples disclosed herein follows. It should be understood by those ofskill in the art that the procedure may be performed in any order, andwill likely be dictated by site factors, including, but not limited to,the existing dam structure, the body of water and/or associated waterflow, construction schedule, logistics, and availability of materials,and environment surrounding the site. For example, a coffer dam isinstalled to divert part or all of a flowing fluid, such as a river, ata site of an existing dam structure. Next, the site is prepared forconstruction of the dam (e.g., installation of precast segments) throughthe clearing of any unsuitable soil materials, such as large rocks.After the site has been cleared appropriately, the installation pointsfor the underpinning units can be sited (using GPS) and marked fordrilling. The installation points can then be drilled out to formpre-drilled holes to accept the underpinning units. The underpinningunits can then be installed and may, optionally, penetrate the existingdam structure.

Next, precast segments are installed. For example, installation canbegin at the point of lowest elevation with installation of the dropface wall segments. Installation of the drop face wall segments caninclude connecting connection components to the underpinning units tosecure the drop face wall segments. Any cavities that may be formedbetween the existing dam structure and the installed drop face wallsegments can be filled using a fill material suitable to providestabilization and structure. Additional drop dace wall segments can thenbe installed in a similar manner and interconnected to each other usinginterlocking elements or structures. The interconnected drop wallsegments may be configured in an arrangement that not only transversesthe length of the existing dam structure, but also builds upwards.

Upon completing the installation of the drop wall face segments, theprecast segments may be installed along the topside of the existing damestructure. For example, installation of the precast segments can beginat the junction with the drop face wall or the point of lowestelevation. Installation of the precast segments can include connectingconnection components to the underpinning units to secure the drop facewall segments. Any cavities that may be formed between the existing damstructure and the installed precast segments can be filled using a fillmaterial suitable to provide stabilization and structure. Theinstallation of the precast segments can be performed similar to theinstallation of tiles, for example, starting with a first row andinstalling the next precast segments in order to transverse across theexisting dam structure, then installing a next row in the same manner.As part of the installation, the face wall can be integrally coupled (orinterconnected) to the precast segments using interlocking elements orstructures to join the drop face wall segments and the precast segments.

After the first precast segments are installed, main energy generationcomponents, such as hydroelectric generator, are placed within a cavity,(bed or compartment) provided by the precast segments. Next, the mainenergy generation components are mechanically coupled to the precastsegments, for example using bolt linkage system such as brackets andbolts.

Once the main energy generation components are installed, the secondprecast segments are installed. Installation of the second precastsegments may be preformed in a manner similar to that described abovewith respect to the first precast segments. Installation of the secondprecast segments, encases the main energy generation components; a mainenergy generation component is sandwiched between at least two precastsegments. The second precast segments are interconnected to respectivefirst precast segments using at least one interlocking element orfeature, such as a bolt linkage and/or keyway. First and second precastsegments are also interconnected to adjacent first and second precastsegments using at least one interlocking element or feature, such as abolt linkage and/or keyway. Next, spillways can be installed to preventerosion. Buttress walls can be installed for additional structuralsupport and to facilitate the flow of fluid.

Although not illustrated in detail in the figures, a structure thathouses storage elements, such as batteries, may be constructed,optionally with precast elements, at the site of the dam or a shortdistance away, with energy generated by energy generating devices at orwithin the dam to be connected to the energy storage devices viaelectrical cables or other power transfer means.

Further, although not illustrated in the diagrams, any form ofcontroller, such as general-purpose microprocessor, signal processor,hardware, software, or other elements that may be used to controlelectro-mechanical elements, may be employed to operate any of theelectro-mechanical elements described herein.

Other example embodiments of the present invention may include anon-transitory computer readable medium containing instruction that maybe executed by a processor, and, when executed, cause the processor toperform different functions, for example, to change the height of thegate used to control water height or flow, change the gear ratio ofgears coupled to a water wheel or turbine, or even control anyelectrical elements associated with energy transfer to the energystorage elements or to the energy grid to which energy is or may betransferred. It should be understood that elements of the block and flowdiagrams described herein may be implemented in software, hardware,firmware, or other similar implementation determined in the future. Inaddition, the elements of the block and flow diagrams described hereinmay be combined or divided in any manner in software, hardware, orfirmware. If implemented in software, the software may be written in anylanguage that may support the example embodiments disclosed herein. Thesoftware may be stored in any form of computer readable medium, such asrandom access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), compact disk readonly memory (CD-ROM), and so forth. In operation, a general purpose orapplication specific processor loads and executes software in a mannerwell understood in the art. It should be understood further that theblock and flow diagrams may include more or fewer elements, be arrangedor oriented differently, or be represented differently. It should beunderstood that implementation may dictate the block, flow, and/ornetwork diagrams and the number of block and flow diagrams illustratingthe execution of embodiments of the invention.

Further, any form of solar paneling may be employed, including solartrackers and any other auxiliary power systems may be employed toprovide the energy, or backup of energy, for operating the electronicsthat may be associated with the dam, as disclosed herein.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dam, comprising: an existing dam structure at adam location; at least two precast segments configured to beinterconnected; and at least one interlocking element or structureconfigured to join the at least two precast segments, the joined precastsegments being coupled to the existing dam structure in an arrangementforming the dam at the dam location, wherein the at least two precastsegments are further configured to encase and operably interconnect to amain energy generation component, the main energy generation componentbeing (i) configured to convert kinetic energy to available power and(ii) coupled to an energy transfer bus.
 2. The dam according to claim 1,wherein the at least two precast segments include a composite materialincluding electrically conducting short fibers configured to enablesensing of strain/stress within the joined precast segments.
 3. The damaccording to claim 2, further including a first electrical terminal at afirst location of at least one of the at least two precast segments anda second electrical terminal at a second location of at least one of theat least two precast segments, the first and second terminals arrangedto measure, via the electrically conducting short fibers, an electricalresistance of the composite material as a function of strain/stress. 4.The dam according to claim 3, further including: an electrical circuitconfigured to measure the electrical resistance, the electrical circuitincluding a transmitter or transceiver for reporting a measuredelectrical resistance to a dam strain/stress monitoring server; and amain energy generation component operably interconnected to the at leasttwo precast segments and configured to convert kinetic energy toavailable power, the electrical circuit being directly or indirectlypowered by the available power.
 5. The dam according to claim 3, furtherincluding a strain/stress signature storage component having storedtherein a stored representation of a strain/stress signature comprisinga strain/stress signature test output.
 6. The dam according to claim 5,wherein the strain/stress signature test output is applied at a castingsite to the at least two precast segments to establish a baseline of thestrain/stress signature.
 7. The dam according to claim 5, wherein thestrain/stress signature storage component includes non-volatile computerreadable memory comprising at least one of: a non-volatile random accessmemory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) component.
 8. The dam according to claim 2,further including an insulating membrane arranged between the at leasttwo precast segments and a fluid obstructed by the formed dam.
 9. Thedam according to claim 1, further comprising: an adjustable pressuregate, operably interconnected to at least one of the at least twoprecast segments, configured to communicate with an upstream sensor toadjust a pressure across the energy generation component, and beingdirectly or indirectly powered by an available power produced by a mainenergy generation component configured to convert kinetic energy to theavailable power; and a gear shifting unit configured to change at leastone gear of the energy generation component in such a manner as totranslate a rate of water flow, and being directly or indirectly poweredby the available power.
 10. The dam of claim 9 wherein the gear shiftingunit is self-operating.
 11. The dam according to claim 1, furtherincluding a drop face wall, integrally coupled to and configured with atleast one of the at least two precast segments.
 12. The dam according toclaim 11, further including a spillway extender, integrally coupled tothe drop face wall, configured to prevent downstream erosion.
 13. Thedam according to claim 1, further comprising: an underpinning unitconfigured to be installed into the ground at the dam location and topenetrate through the existing dam structure; a connection component ata lower surface of at least one the at least two precast segments; andat least one connection element configured to connect the underpinningunit with the at least two precast segments.
 14. The dam according toclaim 13, wherein the connection component is precast into the lowersurface of the at least two precast segments.
 15. The dam according toclaim 13, wherein the connection component is configured to beseparately coupled to the lower surface of the at least two precastsegments.
 16. The dam according to claim 1, wherein the at least twoprecast segments are further configured to be installed either (i) whilea fluid flow is diverted or (ii) while a fluid flow is not diverted. 17.The dam according to claim 1, wherein the at least two precast segmentsare further configured to be operably mechanically or electricallyinterconnected to at least one terrestrial component.
 18. The dam ofclaim 1, further comprising an auxiliary energy generation componentconfigured to provide energy for at least one electrical component atthe dam location.
 19. A method of assembling a dam at a dam location,the method comprising: providing at least two precast segments; joiningthe at least two precast segments via at least one interlocking element;coupling the joined at least two precast segments to an existing damstructure at a dam location in an arrangement that forms the dam at thedam location; and encasing and operably interconnecting a main energygeneration component with the at least two precast segments in a mannerenabling the main energy generation component to convert kinetic energyto available power using the main energy generation component and tocouple the available power to an energy transfer bus.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, further including constructing the at least two precastsegments using a composite material including electrically conductiveshort fibers, and sensing strain/stress of the composite material. 21.The method of claim 20, further including measuring an electricalresistance of the composite material as a function of strain/stressusing a first electrical terminal at a first location of at least one ofthe at least two precast segments and a second electrical terminal at asecond location of at least one of the at least two precast segments.22. The method of claim 21, further including reporting to a server theelectrical resistance using an electrical circuit including atransmitter or transceiver, the electrical circuit measuring, via theelectrically conducting short fibers, the electrical resistance andbeing directly or indirectly powered by the available power.
 23. Themethod of claim 21, further including storing a strain/stress signaturecomprising a strain/stress test output using a strain/stress signaturestorage component.
 24. The method of claim 23, further includingestablishing a baseline strain/stress signature using the strain/stresstest output applied at a casting site to the at least two precastsegments.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the storing includes usinga non-volatile computer readable memory comprising at least one of: anon-volatile random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and aradio-frequency identification (RFID) component.
 26. The method of claim20, further including insulating the at least two precast segments froma fluid obstructed by the formed dam using an insulating membrane. 27.The method according to claim 19, further comprising: adjusting apressure across the energy generation component via an adjustablepressure gate, the adjustable pressure gate operably interconnected to aunit or other component of the dam, configured to communicate with anupstream sensor, and directly or indirectly powered by an availablepower produced by a main energy generation component configured toconvert kinetic energy to the available power; and shifting at least onegear of the energy generation component in such a manner as to translatea rate of water flow via a gear shifting unit directly or indirectlypowered by the available power.
 28. The method of claim 27, whereinshifting the gear shifting unit is performed in a self-operating manner.29. The method of claim 19, wherein the encasing further includesintegrally coupling a drop wall face to at least one of the at least twoprecast segments via at least one interlocking element.
 30. The methodof claim 29, further including employing a spillway extender, integrallycoupled to the drop wall face, to prevent downstream erosion.
 31. Themethod according to claim 19, further comprising: installing anunderpinning unit into the ground at the dam location, the underpinningpenetrating the existing dam structure; maintaining a connectioncomponent at a lower surface of the at least two precast segments; andconnecting the underpinning unit with at least one of the at least twoprecast segments via at least one connection element.
 32. The methodaccording to claim 31, wherein the connection component is precast intothe lower surface of the at least two precast segments.
 33. The methodaccording to claim 31, wherein the connection component is configured tobe separately coupled to the lower surface of the at least two precastsegments.
 34. The method according to claim 19, further includinginstalling the at least two precast segments while a fluid flow isdiverted, partially diverted, or flowing without diversion.
 35. Themethod according to claim 19, further comprising operably mechanicallyor electrically interconnecting the at least two precast segments to atleast one terrestrial component.
 36. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising energizing at least one electrical component at the damlocation via an auxiliary energy generation component.
 37. A dam,comprising: an existing dam structure at a dam location; at least twoprecast segments configured to be interconnected; and at least oneinterlocking element or structure configured to join the at least twoprecast segments, the joined precast segments being coupled to theexisting dam structure in an arrangement forming the dam at the damlocation, wherein the at least two precast segments include a compositematerial including electrically conducting short fibers configured toenable sensing of strain/stress within the joined precast segments. 38.The dam according to claim 37, further including a first electricalterminal at a first location of at least one of the at least two precastsegments and a second electrical terminal at a second location of atleast one of the at least two precast segments, the first and secondterminals arranged to measure, via the electrically conducting shortfibers, an electrical resistance of the composite material as a functionof the strain/stress.
 39. The dam according to claim 38, furtherincluding: an electrical circuit configured to measure the electricalresistance, the electrical circuit including a transmitter ortransceiver for reporting a measured electrical resistance to a damstrain/stress monitoring server; and a main energy generation componentoperably interconnected to the at least two precast segments andconfigured to convert kinetic energy to available power, the electricalcircuit being directly or indirectly powered by the available power. 40.The dam according to claim 38, further including a strain/stresssignature storage component having stored therein a storedrepresentation of a strain/stress signature comprising a strain/stresssignature test output.
 41. The dam according to claim 40, wherein thestrain/stress signature test output is applied at a casting site to theat least two precast segments to establish a baseline of thestrain/stress signature.
 42. The dam according to claim 40, wherein thestrain/stress signature storage component includes non-volatile computerreadable memory comprising at least one of: a non-volatile random accessmemory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) component.
 43. The dam according to claim 37,further including an insulating membrane arranged between the at leasttwo precast segments and a fluid obstructed by the formed dam.
 44. Adam, comprising: an existing dam structure at a dam location; at leasttwo precast segments configured to be interconnected; at least oneinterlocking element or structure configured to join the at least twoprecast segments, the joined precast segments being coupled to theexisting dam structure in an arrangement forming the dam at the damlocation; an adjustable pressure gate, operably interconnected to atleast one of the at least two precast segments, configured tocommunicate with an upstream sensor to adjust a pressure across theenergy generation component, and being directly or indirectly powered byavailable power produced by a main energy generation componentconfigured to convert kinetic energy to the available power; and a gearshifting unit configured to change at least one gear of the energygeneration component in such a manner as to translate a rate of waterflow, and being directly or indirectly powered by the available power.45. The dam of claim 44 wherein the gear shifting unit isself-operating.
 46. A dam, comprising: an existing dam structure at adam location; at least two precast segments configured to beinterconnected; at least one interlocking element or structureconfigured to join the at least two precast segments, the joined precastsegments being coupled to the existing dam structure in an arrangementforming the dam at the dam location; and a drop face wall, integrallycoupled to and configured with at least one of the at least two precastsegments.
 47. The dam according to claim 46, further including aspillway extender, integrally coupled to the drop face wall, configuredto prevent downstream erosion.
 48. A dam, comprising: an existing damstructure at a dam location; at least two precast segments configured tobe interconnected; at least one interlocking element or structureconfigured to join the at least two precast segments, the joined precastsegments being coupled to the existing dam structure in an arrangementforming the dam at the dam location; an underpinning unit configured tobe installed into the ground at the dam location and to penetratethrough the existing dam structure; a connection component at a lowersurface of at least one the at least two precast segments; and at leastone connection element configured to connect the underpinning unit withthe at least two precast segments via the connection component.
 49. Thedam according to claim 48, wherein the connection component is precastinto the lower surface of the at least two precast segments.
 50. The damaccording to claim 48, wherein the connection component is configured tobe separately coupled to the lower surface of the at least two precastsegments.
 51. A dam, comprising: an existing dam structure at a damlocation; at least two precast segments configured to be interconnected;at least one interlocking element or structure configured to join the atleast two precast segments, the joined precast segments being coupled tothe existing dam structure in an arrangement forming the dam at the damlocation; and an auxiliary energy generation component configured toprovide energy for at least one electrical component at the damlocation.